The Sweetwater Singers will present their annual Christmas concert on Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lithia Springs, 10531 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lithia Springs, GA 30122.
The choir will perform classics such as Deck the Halls, Joy to the World and the Hallelujah Chorus, as well as a compelling and exciting American cantata called Angel Band. Composed by Tim Sharp and Timothy Powell, it tells the Christmas story with Appalachian, Celtic and Moravian tunes and instruments such as hammered dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin and guitar, just to name a few. It is a feast for eyes and ears.
The program also will feature the New Manchester High School Fame Jaguar Singers, soloist Taya Taylor, harpist LeAndra Douds and other instrumentation.
Sandra Chandler is the artistic director and conductor of the 50 member choir with voices from Douglas, Caroll, Paulding and Cobb counties. “What better way to start the holiday season!” says Ms. Chandler. “Regardless of your musical preferences, the beauty of this music, from Vivaldi to contemporary a cappella, the beauty of this choir will surprise and inspire you. We are thrilled to perform with Antwoin Holman and the Jaguar Singers. The audience will have a part in this performance as well. Please come, listen and sing with us.”
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at sweetwater-singers.ticketleap.com/christmas-concert-2023
The Douglas County Chamber Singers, a choral group based in Douglas County for 22 years, has changed its name to Sweetwater Singers. The move reflects the group’s expansion to include members from many areas of west Georgia, including Carroll, Paulding, and Cobb Counties.
Since its inception in 2001, the Chamber Singers has held steady at around 30 singers. This year, however, the group now known as Sweetwater Singers has grown to 50 members and has a new artistic director. Sandra Chandler is well known regionally and throughout the country for her innovative programs. After a 30-year career teaching music at schools in Douglas County and Texas, she now works for MidAmerica Productions producing concerts in Carnegie Hall and multiple European cities.
“I’m thrilled to lead a community chorus of singers who get joy from learning and performing quality music,” said Chandler. “Our goal is to elevate the arts in Douglas County and surrounding areas and inspire the next generation of artists by providing outstanding performances for our community.”
Over 500 people attended the Sweetwater Singers Christmas concert on December 9, which included accompaniment by harp, organ, and strings, and a guest performance by three middle school choral groups. In October, the Sweetwater Singers performed with the West Georgia Jazz Ensemble.
Upcoming performances include “A Night on Broadway” in February, John Rutter’s “Requiem” in March, and “A Night at the Movies” at the Plaza Theatre in Atlanta in May.
On February 10, guests at “A Night on Broadway” will hear familiar show tunes and enjoy dessert at the First United Methodist Church of Douglasville. The event will serve as a kickoff to raise funds for professional accompanists, guest artists, and venue rental for the year. “It takes financial resources to provide our community with quality performances,” said Janet Deal, president of Sweetwater Singers. “We are asking local businesses and community leaders to serve as sponsors and patrons as we work to become one of the premier community choral groups in Georgia.”
Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000. Patron levels begin at $250. Sponsors and patrons will be listed in all concert programs, promotional materials, on the Sweetwater Singers website, and in an ad in the Douglas County Sentinel. All donations are tax deductible.
Top right: Peggy Killian plays guitar during a solo by Maddie Archer. Top middle: Harpist LeAndra Douds Top left: Cale Brandon, violinist, and Wayne Gilbreath, organist. Bottom: Sandra Chandler directs the Sweetwater Singers at the Dec 9 Christmas concert.
Credit goes to Glen Clark for providing the pictures in this article.
